The importance of caring for your tyres in bad weather

Tyres are crucial to the smooth running of your car. If pumped up correctly they enable you to drive efficiently and save money, as even partially flat tyres can cause friction on the road meaning your fuel bills will rocket. Driving on bad or old tyres can not only land you in trouble with the authorities, but it’s also very dangerous and something that needs to be given adequate consideration, especially in the winter months. Local areas like Worthing have really congested roads and no one wants to get stuck on the road with bad tyres. So if you need new tyres, but aren’t sure where to get them from, there are many local dealers that can help you out. If you live in let’s say Worthing or Basingstoke and are looking for tyres – professionals like Point S can point you to your nearest dealer, stopping you driving around on tyres that are in poor condition. This way, you will keep your family safe.

So why are bad tyres so hazardous?

Low Tyre Pressure

If you have tyres which are not pumped up to the manufacturer’s recommended level, then you cannot grip the road as well, especially when you are cornering. When you turn your steering wheel, a flat tyre will slew on the road’s surface to some degree. The flatter it is, the more it slews. If enough sideways force is applied through the corner, then this could mean the tyre loses grip and you spin-off, a very frightening experience for all concerned.

Tread Depth

If just one section of your tyre has insufficient tread depth, then it is illegal to drive on. Tyres don’t need to be completely bald, just have worn down enough to make them a danger. Check your tread depth using a tyre gauge and replace worn down ones well before they become illegal to drive on.

High Tyre Pressure

Over-inflating your tyres means they bow out, a bit like a balloon which is ready to burst. You might increase the tyre pressure to cope with certain conditions but remember that failing to return your tyres to their normal level can be dangerous. Simply running over a pothole or a stone in the road can make an over-inflated tyre blowout which will be difficult to control and dangerous for all nearby road users.

Bulging Tyres

If you see any bulges on the side of your tyres, then it means the rubber compound they are made from is starting to stratify. If you are next to a tyre when it bursts, then it could be lethal. Equally, if it disintegrates when you are driving, then you will have a highly hazardous road situation to deal with.